Fat cat weighed 25 pounds, owner charged: Ottawa Humane Society

Over just a few days at the end of May, the OHS reached a crisis number in its cat population. They have also charged a Barrhaven for allegedly mistreating an obese cat.
Errol McGihon/Ottawa Sun/QMI Agency

He said investigation revealed Roy had taken the cat to a veterinarian several times but is alleged to have ignored the veterinarian’s instructions which led to the further deterioration of the cat’s health.

Roney said there is no singular rule for feeding cats — it depends on their age and how active they are.

“You need to take a vet’s advice,” he said. “And that’s what appears did not happen here.”

The OHS conducts 1,000 investigations each year but only lays 12 to 24 charges for neglect or abuse.

“We hold charges for only the most serious cases,” he said.

While Roney admits cases of overweight animals is becoming more common, he’s not seen one this extreme before.

This cat was in very bad condition, “ said OHS inspector Miriam Smith.

“Failure to follow a veterinarian’s advice and allowing a pet to deteriorate like this is appalling. And it’s against the law.”

He said investigation revealed Roy had taken the cat to a veterinarian several times but is alleged to have ignored the veterinarian’s instructions which led to the further deterioration of the cat’s health.

Roney said there is no singular rule for feeding cats — it depends on their age and how active they are.

“You need to take a vet’s advice,” he said. “And that’s what appears did not happen here.”